A Painful End to the Search for Bonga Wilisile
The heartbreaking search for 26-year-old Bolt driver, Bonga Wilisile, has ended in tragedy.
After days of hope and desperate appeals from his family, Bonga was confirmed dead on Thursday, 10 October 2025, according to a family statement shared with Missing Persons South Africa.
Bonga had been missing since Friday night, after taking a trip from Palm Springs to Tsakane, both in Gauteng Province. His disappearance prompted a wide community effort, with relatives, friends, and online users sharing his photo in hopes of finding him safe.
Although few details have been made public, the family confirmed that he was found shot dead, leaving behind a wave of grief and unanswered questions.
“It’s hard to believe this is real. We had so much hope that we would find him alive,” said one relative. “We just want to know what really happened and why.”
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Missing Bolt Driver Bonga Wilisile Found Dad
The past week had seen growing concern for Bonga’s safety.
He was last seen around 9:00 PM on Friday when he accepted what appeared to be a normal Bolt trip. His phone later went off, and the tracking app stopped updating soon after he arrived in Tsakane.
Family members reported him missing the following morning, leading to police involvement and a community-wide search. Online, his story reached thousands who joined in prayer and shared his image across platforms.
For many, the news of his death has been devastating.
“We shared his photo, hoping to bring him home. Now we mourn a life taken too soon,” said a community member who had joined the search efforts.
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Call for Justice and Answers
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the circumstances surrounding his death, including where his body was found or whether his vehicle has been recovered.
Police are expected to provide more details once the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, safety advocates are again calling for stronger protection for ride-hailing drivers, who continue to face violent crimes across South Africa.
According to community safety records, several e-hailing drivers have been targeted in recent months during late-night trips, particularly in Gauteng’s townships and semi-rural areas.
“These men and women work hard to earn a living, yet they’re becoming easy targets,” said transport safety activist Sipho Mahlangu. “We need technology and policing to catch up before more families lose their loved ones.”
Help Bring Justice for Bonga
Bonga’s passing has left a deep wound among his family and the communities of Palm Springs and Tsakane.
His loved ones describe him as a kind, humble young man who dreamed of building a better future through honest work.
“He was quiet, respectful, and loved his job. He didn’t deserve this,” said one friend.
Many have taken to social media to express condolences and to urge anyone with information about his death to speak up.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to Bonga Wilisile’s disappearance or death is urged to contact their nearest police station or reach out to the family directly at:
📞 072 021 8712 / 071 978 8568
As investigations continue, Missing Persons South Africa extends heartfelt condolences to Bonga’s family and all who stood by them during the search.
May his family find peace, and may justice be served.
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